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bsdAt a graduation ceremony ,memories of what was and thoughts of future direction flood the mind in between and perhaps during (boring) speeches; in time that probably works on a grander scale,as we get to an end of a year.In a simple yet powerfull vain , that we're still standing after all we went through globaly and individualy could be a very profound awareness and even feeling of utmost gratitude.Here's to hoping next year will be even better.Have a good one; h

Chateau Valtice, Ryzlink Vlassky, Vyber z cibeb 2009 - the grape variety is actually Italian Riesling. "Vyber z cibeb" means selection of dry raisins or grapes affected by noble rot. The color is intense gold. Aroma was packed with field flowers, fresh honey with wet, mold cellar at the background. On the palate, it feels very concentrated and sweet, but the sweetness is well balanced by acidity. There is a slight bitterness that can be barely noticed. Very good wine, but not to my liking. Somewhat reminding me Tokaji with its mold cellar notes. 89pts. While honey probably originates from the noble rot, I was curious where the mold cellar notes come from and according to wiki, this kind of wines often develop for 1-2 years in oak (probably old oak), so this explains everything. So different from any Israeli wine that I know.

Znovin Znojmo, Sauvignon Blanc, Vyber z bobuli 2009 - this one is a selection of berries. Bright golden in color. Aroma somewhat different from the classic SB, overripe sweet pear, minerality, grapefruit. The palate is moderately sweet with pear, grapefruit, spices and a note of alcoholic bitterness. On one hand sugar levels are insufficient to take over the wine, on other hand the residual sugar feels misplaced here. Anyway 85pts.

Cech, Vino z Tvrdonic, Sauvignon Blanc, Icewine 2010 - golden in color, with a strong aroma of luscious ripe mango, lichi, apricot jam and tropical fruits. On the palate, it feels very sweet, but thanks to the balancing acidity, it is also refreshing. The long aftertaste holds you until you pour another glass. 93-94pts. Amazing wine.

To all those who is "Still Standing" to keep this forum going, Shana Tova and wish it be as sweet as this icewine

Shavua Tov Harry.My wife Rachel returned Friday morning from a week-long business trip in Germany. I figured that she would sleep the day away but instead said that she was really wired and needed to go somewhere to wind-down and relax. I knew the perfect place - Bravdo Winery - one of our favorite wineries to visit with great atmosphere sitting outdoors surrounded by grapevines. We tasted (not for the 1st time) all of the 2010s and the Chardonnay 2011. On one of our previous visits there where we met up with David Raccah and tasted the 2009s and it was difficult deciding which I preferred - the Coupage blend or the Shiraz. This time no such problem - the Coupage really outshined the others and I preferred the Merlot over the Shiraz and the Cabernet Sauvignon. Friday night - Carmel Sha'al Vineyard Merlot 2009.Shabbat lunch - Bravdo Chardonnay 2011.K'tiva V'Chatima Tova.Zvi

Livni, Cabernet Sauvignon Sde Calev 2009: Dark, almost black royal purple, full-bodied with on the nose ripe blackberries, cassis and sweet cedarwood, full-bodied and fruit-forward with on the palate overripe blackberries and juicy cassis, with notes of licorice, sweet cedarwood and vanilla and integrated tannins on the long finish. I was surprised with the somewhat weak tannic profile as the last time I had this wine (a few days before Pessach) the tannins were much heavier and almost mouth-coating. The wine was still very good nonetheless.

Shabbat lunch: Finished the Livni which was as good as the previous night, there will be enough wine on Rosh Hashana

I take this opportunity to wish you all Shana Tova Umetuka, a sweet, happy and healthy new year, filled with blessings for all of you and your families as well as GREAT wines!

Hi. Finally a Gamla I enjoyed(the last time was the '98 cab!). Gamla merlot 07 rich in flavors of stewed fruit a touch of cocoa and some spiciness. The wine is being offered in some brooklyn stores @ a discount so that's nice too.h

Asif Viognier 2008 - The palate following the intensely aromatic nose does not disappoint, offering a wonderful mix of sweet tropical fruit, bitter orange peel, and spicy ginger. Its a hefty wine with 14.5% AbV and a waxy texture to match it. Not as good on day two, but that might be attributed to my sinuses acting up. A-/**

Psagot Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 - As an entry level wine this is quite good. There is a nice amount of cassis and dark fruit, though a bit stewed, alongside a green streak. The alcohol is a bit high at 14.7% AbV, but other than to spice up the wine, I did not feel that it interfered much with my overall enjoyment. C+/NA

Was considering opening up something extra special to celebrate my completing an Ironman half-course triathlon on Sunday, but decided to hold that over till Sunday night when we will be at my parents' house for Rosh Hashana. Instead I opened up a bottle of 2007 Yarden Merlot - still special, but not "woohoo-I-just-finished-a-70-mile-triathlon!" special.

Enjoyed a lovely undocumented Four Gates Pinot Noir, which may or may not see the light of day - personally, I hope it does - was awesome, and in some ways reminded me of a lovely Benyo Pinot with a hint of Israel, because of ripe blackberry, black plum, and sweet cedar that appears a few hours after opening the bottle.

2011 Flam Rose (A-/**)2010 Ella Valley Sauvignon Blanc (B/**) Starting to slide past its prime. Not as crisp as one would like. Lots of nice fruit though an a long zesty finish.2010 Gvaot Herodian Cabernet Sauvignon (A-/*) A full-throated unabashedly new-world parker-styled wine but very well done at that. It'll improve with time as the oak settles down. Right now the oak dominates with saddle leather and vanilla, after that you get loads of cassis, blackberry and black cherry. Firm, well-structured tannins and a long rewarding finish. 2009 Binyamina Yogev CS/Petite Verdot (B-/***). Very pleasant quaffer, dominated by stewed plums and red fruit. Drink up.